In America, size matters. The bigger you are, the more power you have, especially in the business world. Director Anat Baron takes you on a no holds barred exploration of the U.S. beer industry that ultimately reveals the truth behind the label of your favorite beer. Told from an insider’s perspective, the film goes behind the scenes of the daily battles and all out wars that dominate one of America’s favorite industries.

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It’s been 10 days since the big night. I wanted to let everyone else have their say, before jumping in. The good news is that there has been a great deal of positive feedback from people who saw the film. But it is the beer bloggers who have raised issues. So I have mixed feelings about addressing their feedback; is this really what I want to engage in? But ultimately, I’d like to articulate my thoughts and move forward with everyone. To the actual issues the film addresses.
Spoiler alert: If you have not seen the film then you may want to stop reading and make up your own mind at a future screening or from the DVD.Read the rest of this entry »

Apologies if you didn’t get to see Beer Wars Live because of technical issues at your theater. Please send your “sob story” and we’ll send you a special code to purchase a DVD at the discounted rate of $15 (same price as the event) instead of $20.

The DVD, which we are currently rushing into production, will include the film, the panel discussion and the extras shown that evening. I hope that this makes up for any inconvenience you encountered.

PS I’ve been sitting back until after the “reviews” are in before I respond with my thoughts and perspective on the event, the feedback and the future.

I’ve been on radio silence for the past few days. Getting ready for the event and then processing everything. I meant what I said all along, I wanted this film to start a conversation. And it has. Lots of comments on Twitter, Facebook and this blog. And emails too. I plan to address the good, the bad and the ugly. But first I need a few days off. Much more to come after the weekend. Beach, baby beach.

And for those who doubt the mainstream interest in this topic, this ran yesterday on CNN… one day late I know but it did run.

I chose this unique way for launching the film because I wanted to start a conversation. And it starts as soon as the film ends. I invited 6 people who appear in the film to sit on the panel and to be inclusive, 2 who are not.

Let’s start with the 2 you won’t see. I wanted the new heads of MillerCoors and Anheuser-Busch Inbev to provide their perspective. Tom Long from Miller Coors passed because he had a “conflict” while Dave’s Peacock’s “handlers” told me they’d get back to me. Tick tock. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m on a plane to New York to promote the event (which is only 4 days away) on television. I’ve waited a long time for this moment and I’m trying to take it all in.

This adventure began in September 2005 and will culminate on April 16th, 2009. It’s been a long journey on so many levels. Personally, I’m celebrating completing and releasing a feature length independent film. Not a small feat in today’s crowded market. Professionally, I’m hoping that audiences show up to see it. As a filmmaker, that’s the holy grail. We make films because we have something to say, a story that must be told. And after the filming and editing and endless rough cut screenings, we want to share it with the world. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve been getting lots of emails and press clips. And people have a lot of opinions. Some pretty negative. Which is especially surprising since no one has seen the film. I mean, not even my mother. I’ve developed fairly thick skin but it’s always nice to hear something positive. Especially when it’s unsolicited. So it was great to get the following email today from someone named Brandon:

Now why would I want to pay $15 to go sit in a movie theater to watch a film about people brewing and drinking beer??? Why? Because I LOVE BEER!!!! Site looks excellent, can’t wait to see this next Thursday!!

4. You actually care about the subject matter. The continued success of craft beer and craft brewers.

3. It’ll make you CRAVE a great beer. As if you need an excuse…

2. By supporting an independent film you’re ensuring that more films will be made by filmmakers seeking the truth vs. the homogenization of studio films.

1. By attending this event you are showing your support for the craft beer movement. This is as mainstream as it gets. Beer Wars Live is being shown in 440 theaters by the same people who bring the Metropolitan Opera and This American Life into movie theaters. If you don’t show up, it speaks volumes. Everyone is watching…

Oenophiles have SIDEWAYS and BOTTLE SHOCK; now their beer-loving counterparts can claim a film as their own.

- Rotten Tomatoes

A David and Goliath story pitting the country's smallest brewers against the largest.

- CNN

Beer Wars: Brewed in America, is an eye-opening, funny and righteously infuriating documentary by first-time filmmaker Anat Baron. Her film (think of it as Suds: A Love Story) is also a pretty damning indictment of not just the beer industry but contemporary unfettered unregulated capitalism's disturbing excesses.

- Box Office Magazine

In Beer Wars, entrepreneurialism and opportunity go awry when tainted by greed and a thirst for power.

- Los Angeles Times

Beer Wars certainly raises some interesting questions, the most potent of which is, is this what capitalism is meant to be?

- New Times

For those who are keeping the American dream alive, this spirited documentary raises a toast.

- St Louis Post-Dispatch

A trenchant analysis unapologetic in its rebuke of Big Beer, Beer Wars is heartily recommended for patrons already inclined to opt for the local brew at every tap. It will also appeal to patrons interested in craft foods as well as homebrewed beer and wine and others particular about quality.